Newsroom

CORVALLIS - With the nation in the midst of a critical blood shortage, officials are optimistic an Oregon State University summer blood drive will help replenish supplies in the Pacific Northwest.

The two-day OSU summer blood drive is set from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, July 19, and 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 20, in mobile donation units on the east side of OSU's Memorial Union Quad. Appointments are required and can be arranged by calling 800-448-3543 or online at www.givelife.org.

Regionally, blood officials say Oregon and southern Washington haven't quite reached the lows seen in many parts of the nation, but blood supplies are still far short of optimal levels following the Fourth of July holiday.

American Red Cross Pacific Northwest Regional Blood Services reports that local inventory stands at about one day's supply or less for several different types of blood. A three-day supply is the minimal desired level.

To be eligible to donate blood, a person must be at least 16 years of age (with a signed Red Cross parental consent form), weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good health.

Blood donations decline in the summer as vacations, holidays and other activities keep people busy in the warm months, said Dr. Jerry Squires, chief medical officer, American Red Cross Biomedical Services. Shortages are also heightened by the absence of high school blood drives and fewer students at college blood drives.

"During the school year, those drives supply anywhere from 15 to 20 percent of the overall blood supply," Squires said. "When schools are closed and college campuses are practically deserted, those blood donations go away."

Since Memorial Day, blood collections have steadily decreased and national supplies have reached a critical low point, with some areas of the country falling below a one-day supply of blood. Many areas of the country are already on local emergency appeals.